UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — After winter hits hard, Penn State students and community members can look forward to the warm, rich tones of Caribbean music and culture with “A Cuban Music Experience.” The Classical Coffeehouse event will take place at 8 p.m. Monday, March 19, in the Hintz Family Alumni Center’s Robb Hall.
The Center for the Performing Arts and the Penn State Alumni Association, in partnership with the Blue & White Society and the Penn State Music Service Club, sponsor the coffeehouse. It is offered in conjunction with a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba, featuring piano soloist Yekwon Sunwoo, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, in Eisenhower Auditorium.
During the coffeehouse, faculty and students of the Penn State School of Music who have visited Cuba will share their experiences, play music and provide reflections on the culture of the island country.
Penn State Professor of Trombone Mark Lusk will lead the program along with his colleague, Mike Davison, professor of trumpet and director of jazz studies at the University of Richmond. Davison produced a documentary titled “Cuba, Rhythm in Motion.”
“These musicians are very enthusiastic to do this and share their unique musical experiences about Cuba’s artists and composers,” said George Trudeau, director of the Center for the Performing Arts.
The coffeehouse is free for University Park students. A $5 donation is suggested for each community member to help to sustain the coffeehouse series. Seating for the coffeehouse is limited, but standing room is available. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
In addition to complimentary beverages and desserts, provided by Paul’s Provisions, the coffeehouse series welcomes a new partnership with the Penn State Coffee Club. Founded in 2015, the club has a mission “to promote and explore the connoisseur-ship, tradition and science behind brewing and enjoying coffee.” The club will offer tastings of its brews at the coffeehouse.
The coffeehouse series aims to encourage appreciation and discussion between the town-and-gown audience and artists via conversation and musical performance.
For more information about the public coffeehouse event or the related National Symphony Orchestra of Cuba performance, visit Center for the Performing Arts online.
Find the Center for the Performing Arts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.